The name 'John Wick' has become synonymous with hard-hitting action, intricate world-building, and Keanu Reeves' portrayal of the iconic assassin. But recently, the franchise has been trending for more than just its high-octane films. Several recent developments, particularly Lionsgate's groundbreaking deal with an AI startup, have propelled the 'John Wick' franchise and its parent studio into the spotlight. Here’s why everyone is talking about 'John Wick' right now and what it means for the future of filmmaking.
The 'John Wick' Phenomenon: Context Behind the Trend
Since the release of the first John Wick film, the franchise has grown into a cultural phenomenon. Known for its intense action sequences, innovative fight choreography, and a compelling story of a retired assassin seeking vengeance, the series has captured the imagination of fans worldwide. Over the years, it has expanded into multiple sequels, comic books, and even plans for spin-off projects like The Continental, a series focused on the assassins' hotel featured in the films.
Despite being a well-established franchise, John Wick is currently trending due to both the growing excitement around future projects and a recent shift in how the film industry might function, spearheaded by Lionsgate, the studio behind the franchise.
Lionsgate’s AI Deal: A Game-Changer for Filmmaking?
One of the primary reasons John Wick is making waves today is Lionsgate’s recent deal with AI startup Runway, a decision that could radically change the way movies are made. According to The Wall Street Journal, Lionsgate signed an exclusive deal with Runway to integrate AI technology into the production process. This partnership aims to develop a "cinematic video" model that can assist filmmakers by augmenting their creative output.
Runway, a company specializing in generative AI, will provide tools that allow filmmakers to enhance their work, potentially automating tasks traditionally done by human artists. Lionsgate believes that this innovative approach could significantly streamline production, reducing costs and offering filmmakers new creative possibilities.
The Role of AI in Storyboarding and Visual Effects
More specifically, this deal has significant implications for storyboard artists and visual effects (VFX) teams. According to Cartoon Brew, Lionsgate hopes to use AI tools to replace certain roles traditionally filled by human artists, such as storyboard creators and VFX crews. The studio anticipates that this shift could save them "millions and millions of dollars."
While this move could increase efficiency and lower production costs, it has raised concerns within the creative community. Many fear that the growing reliance on AI could lead to job losses for artists and professionals who play a crucial role in the filmmaking process. By automating tasks that were once performed by humans, the industry could face a fundamental restructuring of its workforce.
Filmmaker Empowerment or Ethical Dilemma?
Lionsgate’s motivation behind the deal seems to be twofold. On the one hand, the studio sees AI as a way to cut costs—something that could be especially appealing in an industry where production budgets are soaring. On the other hand, the studio is positioning this technology as a tool to empower filmmakers. According to Variety, the goal is for AI to "augment" rather than replace human creativity. Lionsgate believes that AI will allow directors, producers, and other creatives to focus on more high-level decisions by automating repetitive tasks.
The partnership with Runway aims to create a cinematic video model that filmmakers can use as a creative tool, potentially giving them more control over the aesthetics and pacing of a film without requiring extensive manual labor from VFX artists. This could lead to faster production cycles and more flexibility during post-production.
However, this raises an ethical dilemma. While AI could enhance creative output, its adoption may reduce opportunities for human artists to contribute to the filmmaking process. The balance between technological advancement and preserving jobs in creative industries is a debate that is only beginning to unfold.
The Future of 'John Wick' and Beyond
The John Wick franchise itself has already set a high bar for action filmmaking, with its intricate choreography and stunning visual effects. Lionsgate’s partnership with Runway could potentially impact future installments of the franchise, especially if AI becomes more integrated into the production pipeline. While it's unclear whether AI tools will be used in any upcoming John Wick projects, it’s evident that the technology could play a role in shaping the visual style and production efficiency of future films.
As Lionsgate explores new ways to streamline production and reduce costs, the industry will be watching closely to see how this deal with Runway unfolds. The outcome of this partnership could set a precedent for other studios to follow, potentially reshaping how blockbuster films like John Wick are made.
Conclusion
'John Wick' is trending not just because of its continued popularity as a film franchise but also because it is at the center of a major shift in how movies might be made in the future. Lionsgate’s recent partnership with AI startup Runway has sparked discussions about the role of artificial intelligence in filmmaking, particularly in terms of its potential to replace human artists and dramatically cut production costs. As the industry grapples with the ethical and practical implications of AI, the John Wick franchise remains a key example of how cutting-edge technology could soon become an integral part of Hollywood’s creative process.
Sources
- Lionsgate, Studio Behind ‘John Wick,’ Signs Deal With AI Startup Runway - The Wall Street Journal
- Lionsgate Signs Deal With AI Company Runway, Hopes That AI Can Eliminate Storyboard Artists and VFX Crews - Cartoon Brew
- Lionsgate Will Use AI to Let Filmmakers ‘Augment’ Their Work, Studio Expects to Save ‘Millions’ via Pact With Startup Runway - Variety